A DECISION has yet to be made on the running order of this year's Super League play-off semi finals.
All that has been confirmed so far is the dates and broadcast partners for the finals series, with the matches televised by both Sky and Channel 4.
With Saints' win over Hull FC at weekend guaranteeing them a top-two finish they will be guaranteed a home semi-final.
They are six points clear of second placed Wigan and in poll position to win the League Leaders Shield.
Traditionally under this form of play off system the highest placed team plays on the earlier date.
So if Saints were to secure top spot it would be assumed that they have earned the right to play on Friday 16 September in a game televised by Sky.
That system rewards the highest placed team with the potential of an extra day's preparation for the Grand Final - should they win.
The team finishing second would then take the 12.30pm Saturday, 17 September slot, televised by Channel 4.
However, Wigan Athletic football club have a home Championship fixture at the DW Stadium on that Saturday date meaning the Warriors - should they finish second - would have to find an alternative venue to play their game as occurred in the 2008 play offs.
Discussions are currently taking place about the scheduling, but it is unlikely that Saints would willingly want to swap their Friday for a Saturday and forego their extra day of preparation.
A spokesman from Super League said: "St Helens have now guaranteed a top two finish in the Betfred Super League table and consequently secured a home semi-final.
"Discussions on scheduling with all concerned stakeholders, including both of Super League’s broadcast partners, Sky Sports and Channel 4, are ongoing.
"We anticipate that these discussions will be concluded in the next few days to allow stakeholders the maximum amount of planning time."
How the Super League Play offs work.
9-10 September: 3 v 6, 4 v 5.
The losers eliminated, winners go to the semi.
On 16/17 September:
Semi final 1 v lowest placed victor from week one eliminator.
2 v highest placed victor from week one eliminator.
Losers out, winners to Grand Final.
24 September:
Grand Final at Old Trafford.
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